Music Matters: September 2013

Our Regional Conservatorium is still looking for a permanent home.
Whilst we would love to see the Town Hall developed into an Arts and Cultural precinct with the Conservatorium under that roof, at this stage the funds are not available. As well as continuing our conversation with the Deniliquin Council we have been pursuing a number of other alternatives including the old Maternity Wing at the hospital, Department of Education buildings, other Government Department buildings and private landlords. All suggestions and ideas are welcome.
Fortunately, our current premises will continue to be available to us while we keep looking. Our goal is to have all of our programs under the one roof and to have a suitable performance space for our student concerts and the beautiful grand piano. In the meantime, our students are being taught in a comfortable, safe environment.
At our recent Annual General Meeting the following Board members were re-elected: Mary Armstrong, Francie Cullenward, Jane Harris, Helen Burnham, Anne McAtamney, Geoff Mann and Jane Glowrey. Andrew Howley is the Council representative.
The committee will elect office bearers at their next ordinary meeting. We are very fortunate to have a Board with a strong skill base in budgeting, human resources, management, governance plus a passion for music education.Cheryl Fuller – Acting Director

RIVERINA PRIMARY PRINCIPALS’ CONFERENCE, MOAMA
In August, four of our students were invited to perform at the Riverina Primary Principals’ Conference. 150 Principals attend the conference, which was held in Moama. Zara Lindeman played guitar and sang along with Matilda Lalor. Matilda also joined with Chelsea Free and Ruby Wallace for a trio and finally Chelsea and Ruby played guitar and sang a duet. The audience was certainly captivated by their talent and confidence. It was a wonderful performance opportunity for the girls and we are very proud of them.
Three of our teachers have been involved in their musical journey – Brett Allitt, Richard Sievers and Chris Bodey. Brett was on hand on the day, making sure that microphones and equipment were set up and to have a final rehearsal. We are very fortunate to have teachers who do the extra work to assist with student performances.
The links between South West Music and our local schools are extremely strong and we are grateful for the wonderful support local Principals provide by allowing our teachers to deliver instrumental lessons during school hours.

Chelsea Free & Ruby Wallace

Matilda Lalor & Zara Lindeman

HSC MUSIC PERFORMANCES
Good luck to all high school students who are preparing for HSC music performances. A number of them have been taking lessons with Brett Allitt, Chris Bodey and Richard Sievers. Brett and Chris will also be providing accompaniment for these assessments. It is wonderful to see such a vibrant music program at our local High School under the direction of Matt Kiely.

DENILIQUIN CONCERT SERIES “Sousaphonics”
Over 100 people attended the Sousaphonics Concert. They were loud, brassy and incredibly talented. It was disappointing that unpredictable weather resulted in a venue change to the Multi Arts Centre. However, the response of the audience was overwhelmingly positive. The four musicians loved their visit to Deniliquin and particularly enjoyed mingling with the audience.
This Concert was the final one in the Deniliquin Series and we sincerely thank our 55 subscribers and other audience members for supporting the 3 Concerts for 2013.

BUSH CONCERT SERIES: Teranga – African Band18th October: Moulamein 19th October: Waring Gardens, Deniliquin (FREE)
Teranga is an exciting African Band. They are part of the Musica Viva program and have travelled extensively around the state performing and teaching in schools. Those who attended the Sousaphonics Concert will see one familiar face amongst the band – Sam who played the sousaphone and trumpet is also a member of Teranga. This concert will be one for all the family. We hope to see the sun shining on 19th October and some interesting sounds and beats in Waring Gardens.